asked the Financial Secretary to the War Offic how many married couples in the Army are living in buildings without private water-closet accommodation; whether any attempts are being made to give all married couples lavatory and water-closet accommodation in their dwellings; and whether it is the intention of the War Office to give these sanitary facilities to every family in the Army?

It is the intention to provide separate water-closet accommodation, and eventually separate bathrooms, for all married couples on the married quarters' roll who live in barracks. This is being done gradually, and these improvements are included in all new constructions. I could not give the precise number of cases which are outstanding without calling for reports: but I am satisfied that good progress is being made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number of troops still housed in huts; what progress has been made in replacing huts by permanent buildings; and whether any men are still housed in huts which, in the opinion of the Army experts, are unsuited for habitation?

Apart from hutments which have been specially reconstructed, there are approximately 12,500 men who are housed in huts or hutted buildings in stations at home and overseas, excluding India. It is the policy of the War Office to replace these buildings, and more than £700,000 has been expended in the last five years in this connection; but many years must necessarily elapse before all the hutted accommodation can be replaced. I am not aware of any cases of troops living in hutted accommodation which should be condemned as unsuited for habitation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware of the serious illness of Private J. W. Hutchings, No. 6,343,262, the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, following the administration of a local anaesthetic in the course of teeth extraction; what was the nature of the substance injected; the number of other soldiers similarly treated; whether any fatalities have occurred in consequence; and whether any disciplinary action is proposed to be taken in the matter?

I am aware of the circumstances of this regrettable case. Owing to a grave mistake, turpentine was injected instead of the proper local anaesthetic. No other soldiers were similarly treated. Suitable disciplinary action in the matter has been taken, and special instructions have been issued designed to exclude the possibility of any similar mistake occurring in future. I am happy to say that the soldier's general health is now reported to be good.

In the event of the anaesthetic or whatever was administered to this soldier causing him bad health afterwards, is it within the power of the War Office to meet any liabilities which may be incurred in that way? I raise this question, because I understand that there has been some attempt to suggest that the treatment which has been meted out to this man is final and that nothing further will be done.

If any permanent disability results from this unfortunate mistake, undoubtedly compensation will have to be considered. In the meantime, I may say that a, sum of, I think, £18 has been expended in the form of compensation to the man's parents in order that they should be able to visit their son.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the anaesthetic was administered by a qualified man?

Yes, Sir, it was. This was a mistake which would take a great deal of explanation before the House, but, if any hon. Member is interested, I shall be glad to let him know how it occurred.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any special arrangements are being made and, if so, of what nature to enable Scotland to demonstrate its loyalty to the Royal Family during the forthcoming Jubilee celebrations?

It has been arranged that His Royal Highness the Duke of York will represent The King at Edinburgh on Saturday, 11th May, and a programme for the visit of His Royal Highness is in course of preparation. As announced in this House on 30th July last, it is His Majesty's desire that the Silver Jubilee celebrations should be on a local basis, and programmes of celebrations are being made locally.

Is it a fact, as reported in the Press to-day, that the day selected to commemorate the accession of His Majesty is already a holiday with pay in Scotland for a considerable number of the people there?

It is a bank holiday, but that term has a different meaning in Scotland from what it usually has in England.

asked the Minister of Labour whether all unemployed persons will be given an additional day's benefit on the occasion of His Majesty's Jubilee in May of this year?

asked the Minister of Labour whether be is prepared to sanction the increase of 3s. to each adult, and 2s. for each child, in receipt of unemployment benefit during Royal Jubilee week?

The rates and conditions of benefit are prescribed by the Unemployment Insurance Acts, and I have no power to vary them.

Can no exception be made in the circumstances?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the rates are laid down by statute.

Is it proposed to grant any concession of any kind to unemployed men to celebrate the Jubilee?

The hon. Member had better put a question down.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether official responsibility is being taken for the Jubilee thanksgiving service in Hyde Park, on Sunday, 12th May, which is being organised by a daily newspaper; and whether he will see that all such religious services, if held, shall be free from all suspicion of exploitation for publicity purposes?

This service is not part of the official Jubilee celebrations, but has been agreed to under the ordinary regulations governing the holding of meetings in Hyde Park. I am told that there will be no external evidence of publicity

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make a statement as to the vessels to be provided for policing northern waters under the Fishery Board for Scotland, and as to the ports on which they will be based?

It is not proposed permanently to allocate particular vessels to particular areas when the new vessels are completed, but full consideration will be given to the requirements of northern waters. At present, in addition to the "Norna" and the "Vaila," which usually patrol northern waters, a hired drifter is temporarily stationed in Shetland, and one of His Majesty's ships is usually stationed in Shetland during the summer herring fishing season.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects the new vessels to be ready for commission, and, when they are ready for commission, is it intended to consider basing them on some place nearer to their scene of operations than the present base?

I am afraid I cannot give an answer to the first part of the question. When these vessels are completed the whole matter will come up for final review.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in order that first-hand knowledge may be obtained and placed on record, he will ask the sheriff who is now examining the drift-ringnet controversy in the Firth of Forth, to take evidence at the Fife fishing villages during the present fishing season?

The procedure to be followed is of course a matter to be decided by the commissioner appointed to hold the inquiry and I understand that he has already initiated meetings for the purpose of arranging it with the interests concerned. I have, however, conveyed my hon. Friend's suggestion to him.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to amplify the suggestion to the sheriff by reminding him that there are equally important interests existing on the south side of the Firth of Forth?

I will see that the interests referred to by my hon. Friend are brought to the notice of the sheriff.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he can enumerate the individual colliery companies separately operating during the year 1920 in the area now covered by the newly formed merger, Powell Duffryn Associated Collieries, together with the amount of total capital authorised and issued in each case;

(2) how many pits were in active operation during the year 1920 within the area controlled by the Powell Duffryn Associated Collieries; how many were in production during 1934; and how many closed down or idle;

(3) how many men were employed at the whole of the pits operating in the area of the Powell Duffryn Associated Collieries, together with their output for the year 1920, and the same information in respect to the collieries operating in 1934?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the 27 colliery companies separately operating during the year 1920 in the area now covered by the newly formed merger. These companies were operating 121 pits in that year. Of these 121 pits, 68 were in production in 1934 and 53 were closed down or idle. In addition 8 pits, opened since 1920, were in production in 1934. In 1920, 98,800 men were employed and the total output of coal was 16,403,000 tons, the figures for 1934 being 39,300 men and 11,217,000 tons. My Department has no information with regard to the capital of the original companies.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many separate colliery companies in Lancashire have merged into one undertaking since 1926; and can he give the names of those who are at the present time employing 10,000 persons or more?

There are five undertakings in Lancashire which are the result of amalgamations which have taken place since 1926. These amalgamations have involved 21 separate colliery companies. Of the five undertakings, Manchester Collieries Limited and the Wigan Coal Corporation, Limited, are employing at the present time 10,000 persons or more.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the recommendation of the commissioner in the report of the Bilsthorpe inquiry that all men should be withdrawn from the face during shot-firing, he is prepared to issue instructions that this recommendation shall in future to put into operation?

This recommendation was to the effect that, so far as practicable, shots in face-rippings should be fired either between shifts or after withdrawing the workmen from the face in question. The inspectors will use their influence to secure that this procedure is followed so far as possible but, as recognised by the author of the report referred to, it is not practicable to adopt or enforce such a procedure universally.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether colliery managers have been circularised on this matter?

Perhaps the hon. Member would put down that question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he proposes issuing instructions to limit the number of shots to be fired by any one shotsman during one shift, thereby giving ample time for the shotsman to properly carry out the responsibilities imposed upon him by the Mines Act, 1911, and its regulations?

Special investigations by His Majesty's inspectors are in progress as to the numbers of shots which, under different conditions, can properly be fired per shift by deputies and shot-firers, respectively; and I am considering whether it is possible to frame a rule to secure some definite limitations of number which shall be reasonable and effective having regard to the widely varying circumstances.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the increasing number of shots being fired in the coal mines of the country, particularly shots fired in the coal, he will take steps to ensure that shot-firing shall be reduced to a minimum by utilising other means of bringing down coal?

The total number of shots fired in coal mines has decreased of recent years and there has been some increase in the use of mechanical and other substitutes for shot-firing. It is the practice of the inspectors to encourage the use of suitable alternatives where possible and this practice will be continued.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of accidents that occurred in the coal mines of the country for the year 1934, giving the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents separately?

During the year 1934 1,068 persons were killed by accidents at mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, and 3,175 persons were seriously injured. Particulars of the total number of persons disabled for more than three days are not yet available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the failure of four motor insurance companies since the passing of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and the consequent hardship which has been inflicted upon the policy holders in these companies and members of the general public, he proposes to make more frequent use of the Assurance Companies (Winding-up) Act, 1933, under which he has the power to examine the books of motor insurance companies and apply for compulsory winding-up orders in order to eliminate any remaining unsound companies?

As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. R. J. Davies) on 19th February, the Board of Trade will not fail to take action whenever, on the information available, there is reason to believe that a company coming within the scope of the Act is insolvent.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it advisable that his Department should take action before and not after these companies get into difficulties; and does he not think that a campaign on the lines which I have ventured to suggest in this question might do something to eliminate unsound companies?

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is machinery available to him for the purposes of any action which he is prepared to take?

A number of difficulties arise in taking action before insolvency is reached, and I should not like to answer a question on that subject without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of cotton stockings and, hose from Japan have increased in January, 1935, as compared with January, 1934, by 40,000 dozen pairs, or 36 per cent.; and whether he is prepared to take any new steps to deal with this increasing importation?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to my reply to his question on 13th November last, to which I have nothing to add.

Is it not a fact that unemployment in this industry is now greater than it was in November; and, in view of that unfortunate fact, will the right hon. Gentleman invite the attention of the Import Duties Advisory Committee to the power which they have to act immediately in the interests of trade and employment in the hosiery industry?

My answer to the previous question covers the points raised by my hon. and learned Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the exports of artificial silk stockings and hose to British countries have declined in January, 1935, as compared with January, 1934, by 21,700 dozen pairs, or 60 per cent.; whether he has any information as to whether this decline is due to increasing competition from Japan; and, if so, whether he is prepared to make representations to British countries for increased protection for the British exporter against this competition?

I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the question. Nearly two-thirds of the decline occurred in respect of exports to the Irish Free State as the result of restrictions recently imposed on the imports of this class of hosiery into that country. I have no information as to the causes of the balance of the decline in January, but I would point out that up to the end of 1934 the aggregate exports to British countries other than the Irish Free State have shown successive annual increases in quantity since 1931.

In view of the unfortunate exclusion by the Irish Free State of our industries, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time is more than ripe for some action, in order to protect British employment in our home market, and to stop the great flow of imports which is putting thousands of people in this industry into great jeopardy as regards employment?

Those facts could certainly be laid before the Import Duties Advisory Committee as an argument for further duties.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the Import Duties Advisory Committee have power on their own initiative to act in the face of these unfortunate circumstances and need not wait for one industry to take its place in the queue after another in order to take action?

It is open to them to make representations, and I have no doubt they will do so at once.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the temporary commercial agreement with Russia precludes the Government from limiting the amount of Russian timber imported into the United Kingdom, as was done last year, in order to enable Canada to increase her timber sales in this market?

No, Sir. Article 1 of the Temporary Commercial Agreement with Russia provides that each party will accord most-favoured-nation treatment to the goods of the other, but Article 2 provides that, in certain circumstances, this treatment may be withdrawn in respect of particular classes of commodities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that the fall clause in the timber contract now being negotiated with Russia frustrates the benefits arranged in the Ottawa Agreements, whether he will reconsider the Agreements?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give particulars to the House of the communication which he has received from the Canadian Government with reference to the importation into Great Britain of Russian timber under a fall clause, and at prices with which it is impossible for Canada to compete; and what action is being taken by the British Government, in view of the fact that this is in contravention of Article 21 of the Ottawa Agreement?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet come to any decision regarding the proposed contract for the import of Russian timber in the current year by Timber Distributors, Limited; whether the quantity imported will be reduced from that imported in 1924; and whether the fall clause will be prohibited as in last year's contract?

As I have already informed the House, the questions raised by the contract between Timber Distributors, Limited, and the White Sea Timber Trust are at present receiving careful consideration. I will make a statement to the House at the earliest possible moment, but I fear I am not yet in a position to say when that will be.

Can my right hon. Friend not say at once that the fall clause makes any preferences given under the Ottawa or any other agreement nugatory, and surely the Government can make up their mind at once and tell the House that the fall clause will not be allowed in contracts of this kind?

The fall clause, I think, was eliminated from contracts last year. That is one of the points now under discussion.

In considering this contract, will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the Canadian mills are now working only 50 per cent. of their capacity and that the timber market in this country is considerably overstocked as compared with last year; also that Canada takes £19,500,000 of our exports and Russia only £3,500,000?

We will take all the facts that are relevant into consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the Russian soft timber comes into serious conflict with the Canadian soft timber?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of flour imported from foreign countries during the last three months for which figures are available; and similar figures for the corresponding periods in 1932 and 1933?

During the three months ended January, 1935, the imports of wheat meal and flour consigned from foreign countries amounted to 658,000 cwt. The corresponding figure for the period ended January, 1933, was 461,000 cwt. and for that ended January, 1934, 784,000 cwt.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable concern caused in agricultural circles as a result of the increased importation of flour and meal in the last 12 months, and would it not be desirable to import the wheat into this country and to mill it here so that farmers could have the benefit of the offal?

It is desirable that there should be as much flour and, may I add, as much offal available for our internal purposes as possible.

Will my right hon. Friend direct his last reply to the activities in this commodity by the co-operative societies?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to announce that any form of inquiry is to be set up to examine the problem of distribution; and whether his attention has been drawn to the widespread demand throughout the country that the problem of distribution should receive investigation?

I fear that I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to a similar question by my hon. Friend on the 6th November last.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been called to the speech made yesterday by Mr. Marquis who is an authority in the industry, in which he recommends an impartial inquiry as being much preferable to indiscriminate condemnation or indiscriminate interference by a Government department in this business of distribution?

Yes, I read Mr. Marquis's speech with great interest, and I shall certainly take both it and the views of my hon. Friend into account.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the strongest complaints against the distributive trade in this country is of the very low wages paid to some of the assistants?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that grey textile goods are being imported into this country free of duty for the purpose of being subjected to a slight process in this country and then re-exported as British goods; whether he can state the quantity so admitted during the year 1934; and whether he proposes to take any and, if so, what steps to prevent the continuation of this practice?

Following the earlier representations made by trade organisations in Lancashire, this question, in its various aspects, was fully discussed with a recent deputation from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and the whole matter is now under active consideration. In regard to the second part of the question, the quantity of grey cotton piece goods imported in 1934 and entered for delivery for process and subsequent re-exportation was 5,523,600 square yards, valued at £65,600.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any new arrangements in connection with the quantitative regulation of imports of bacon, hams, and pork from foreign countries have yet been made after negotiations with the Bacon Marketing Board?

The arrangement contemplated by paragraph 7 (b) of the Bacon (Import Regulation) Order, 1934, has been revised this year in consultation with the Bacon Marketing Board and the representatives of foreign Governments. As from 1st January, imports of bacon (as defined in the Order) from the five main foreign exporting countries are regulated on the basis of fortnightly periods, instead of on the basis of four weekly periods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to report any progress in the negotiations for the settlement of our commercial relations with Turkey?

The negotiations are proceeding. I regret that for the present I am not in a position to make any more detailed statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that existing frozen Leva balances belonging to British firms in the National Bank of Bulgaria amount to nearly 2200,000; and whether he anticipates that any arrangements will be made in the near future to free these balances?

I am aware that considerable sums have accumulated in the Bulgarian National Bank to the credit of British firms, and I am informed that these balances are being slowly liquidated. The matter is being carefully watched, and no opportunity will be lost of affording to United Kingdom traders such assistance as may be possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the difficulties of British merchants trading with Bulgaria, owing to the uncertainty regarding the amount of import quotas which are to be received and to the delay in getting these quotas allotted and confirmed; and whether he will take steps to bring this matter to the notice of the Bulgarian Government with a view to an early remedy?

Yes, Sir, the matter is under consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend consider making representations that in future the quotas should be allotted on a yearly basis instead of quarterly, and allotted to exporters rather than to consignees?

I shall certainly consider that point.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the initiation of an inquiry, by select committee or other appropriate machinery, into the organisation, control, and management of the Metal Exchange, Baltic, and other commodity exchanges with a view to ensuring such organisation, control, and management as may be best designed to serve the public interest?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for West Fulham (Sir C. Cobb) on Tuesday last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the reduction in British exports of tinned, terne, and other coated plates since 1932; and whether, seeing that the Import Duties Advisory Committee have imposed a tariff of 33⅓ per cent. on imported bars, he will now take steps to secure a drawback of duty in respect of exported plates?

I am aware that there was a decline of about 14 per cent. in the quantity of coated plates and sheets of United Kingdom manufacture exported in 1934, as compared with 1932. The question whether a drawback scheme in this case would be in the national interest is one in the first instance for the Import Duties Advisory Committee under Section 9 of the Finance Act, 1932, and I have no doubt that they will give full consideration to the position disclosed by the trade statistics in the light of the many important interests involved.

Have any complaints been received as to the price effect of the duty of 33⅓ per cent.?

Not so far as I am aware.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the provision that the name of the real holder of shares in a limited liability company shall appear with his address on the records of Somerset House is now defeated by the device of registering shares in the name of a nominee company; and whether he proposes to take early steps to make good this defect in the operation of the law intended to protect the public against abuse of the facilities provided by limited liability;

(2) whether he is aware that the names and addresses of owners of shares held by nominee companies appear on the books of nominee companies; and will he take the necessary measures to ensure that in future, in the event of the transfer of such shares from or to a nominee company, the names and addresses of the beneficial or other owners in the possession of the nominees be recorded on the transfer deed for identification of ownership in order that this information may appear upon the share registers at Somerset House?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that a large proportion of the shares of James and Shakespeare, Limited, were registered in the name of bank nominees; and whether, in view of the fact that this practice makes it impossible to discover who are beneficial owners, he will take steps for the purpose of ensuring that the returns of company shareholders disclose the names of the beneficial owners?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the concealment of the names of nominees holding shares in Messrs. James and Shakespeare, he has considered the advisability of amending the Companies Act of 1929 to prevent further misuse of the law of limited liability in the promotion of gambling operations in the commodity market?

There is no legal requirement that the name of the beneficial owner of shares in a limited company shall be entered in the register of members, and indeed Section 101 of the Companies Act, 1929, provides that no notice of any trust, express, implied or constructive, shall be entered on the register or be receivable by the Registrar of Companies registered in England. Any liability or obligation attaching to a share falls to be met by the person in whose name the share is registered. The suggestion that the law should be amended in regard to the registration of shares held by nominee companies has been noted for investigation when the amendment of the Companies Act is under consideration.

Does that mean that the banks themselves are responsible for any losses that may arise out of these gambles?

I think my right hon. Friend heard me aright when I said that any liability or obligation attaching to a share falls to be met by the person in whose name the share is registered. That would apply equally to a bank.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the time that he estimates will elapse before the examination into the affairs of James and Shakespeare, Limited, has advanced sufficiently far to enable the liquidator to present a report adequate to enable His Majesty's Government to decide whether or not to institute a further and public inquiry into any matters disclosed by such report?

The winding-up order was made yesterday. The official receiver's inquiries must necessarily be searching and full, and I am unable to say at present when they will reach the stage at which he will be able to make a report. The official receiver is, I understand, aware of the desire of His Majesty's Government that his investigations should be conducted with all possible expedition.

Does the right hon. Gentleman seriously state that a report to be produced at an indefinite future date and available only to shareholders and admitted creditors as a result of a private inquiry is a satisfactory method of dealing with the anxiety that is felt by the public and with the suspicions and rumours which are gravely affecting public credit?

In the first place, I do not believe for a moment that the official receiver will be dilatory; I believe he will conduct his investigations with all due speed. With regard to the effect on the minds of the public, I can only say that when the reports are published, for the use primarily of shareholders and creditors, they will also be open to other people to read.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that in answer to a question from me it was made specifically clear that the report would not be available to other than the shareholders and admitted creditors; and, further, will he say whether, with his ripe experience, he expects the report of the official receiver to be available within, let us say, 12 months from this date?

I offer no prophecy whatever as to the speed with which the official receiver will work, but I am sure he will not lose any time. With regard to the other point, I did not say the reports would be withheld from the public. They must be published, but they must be handed over in the first place to those who can see them on behalf of the shareholders and creditors, and that surely makes them as public as they need be.

Will it be competent for the official receiver to report who are the beneficial owners of that part of the company's capital registered in the names of bank nominees?

If the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper, I will endeavour to give him an answer.

Is it not the case that this report could be discussed in this House on the Board of Trade Vote?

asked the hon. Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, in which counties has elm disease now been identified; and in which was the disease diagnosed for the first time in 1934?

Elm disease has been identified in Brecknock, Denbigh, Glamorgan and Merioneth and all the counties of England except Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmorland. It has not been recorded in Scotland. In Cornwall, Merioneth and Lancashire it was recorded for the first time in 1934.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the attitude of the Government towards the establishment by the co-operative societies of beet-sugar factories; and if the new proposals of the Government for 1935 are in fact likely to raise the price of sugar to the consumer?

Since 1924, when the beet-sugar industry was first assisted by Exchequer subsidy there has been no limitation on the erection of beet-sugar factories in this country. As regards the 1935–36 season, the further interim measure of assistance which Parliament will be asked to provide will be designed to secure the existing position, pending the consideration by the Government of the report of the Committee of Inquiry under the chairmanship of Mr. Wilfrid Greene, K.C. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that statements are being made in Scotland to the effect that the Government are deliberately preventing co-operative societies, because they are co-operative societies, from engaging in home beet-sugar production, and that it is the deliberate intention of the Government to raise the price of sugar? Can my right hon. Friend give a direct denial to both these charges?

I have given a direct denial to the second. As to the first part of the supplementary question, I am more than delighted to hear that the cooperative societies have changed their attitude and are now in favour of promoting beet-sugar production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the order issued by the Potato Marketing Board imposes on Lincolnshire, Norfolk, the Isle of Ely, and the Soke of Peterborough a compulsory minimum riddle of 1¾ inches for King Edward and Red King potatoes instead of 1⅝ inches which previously prevailed; and whether, as this order is viewed with much dissatisfaction in the districts concerned owing to the losses entailed, he will make a representation on the subject to the board?

I am informed that the object of the regulation of the Potato Marketing Board, to which my hon. Friend refers, is temporarily to adjust the loadings of certain varieties of potatoes from the districts named in order to conform with market conditions, and that the regulation was made in the interests of growers. The regulation came into force on 29th January, and will expire on 28th February. With regard to the latter part of the question the matter is one primarily between the board and their constituents and, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, it would be undesirable for me to intervene.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is the discriminatory nature of the order and its application only to these counties that is causing great concern to the growers?

There are full arrangements under the scheme whereby grievances can be investigated and, if necessary, redressed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman himself intervene in this matter and see that the growers in these three counties are dealt with in as fair a manner as the growers in other parts of the country?

The growers in other parts of the country accepted the scheme and are working it themselves, and it would be out of order for me to intervene.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the growers of these three counties have been very vocal and have complained bitterly to the board, but have had no redress from the board up to the present time?

There is, as my right hon. Friend knows, proper machinery for investigating complaints, and, if necessary, they can lay complaints before the Minister.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that under the administration of the Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915, and the Tuberculosis Order, 1925, the West Riding County Council employ nine whole-time veterinary officers, Cheshire six, Derbyshire two, Staffordshire none, and Lancashire none; and whether he can state the reason for such varied administration, in view of the fact that these counties are all adjacent and form the North-West Region of the Milk Marketing Board?

Except that a staff of whole-time veterinary officers has, my right hon. Friend is informed, now been appointed by the Staffordshire County Council, the facts stated by my hon. Friend are generally correct so far as they go, but they are misleading because in some counties, for example Derbyshire and Lancashire, part-time veterinary officers are employed either exclusively or in addition to the whole-time staff. As regards the second part of the question, veterinary inspection of cattle is compulsory only in certain cases. Routine inspection is optional and not all county councils undertake it. My hon. Friend will be aware that this is one of the matters dealt with in the report of the Committee on Cattle Diseases which is at present receiving consideration.

Will my hon. Friend tell me when some decision will be reached by the Diseases of Cattle Committee; and may I ask whether he is aware of the very great hardship suffered by farmers in the West Riding owing to the severe operation of the regulations there as compared with other counties?

Could the hon. Member who put the question say where he obtained his information that Staffordshire was an exception?

I pointed out in the answer that that was incorrect. As regards the supplementary question put by the hon. Member, I agree that the position is not satisfactory, but I cannot promise any date by which a report can be made.

Are we to assume that the cattle of Lancashire are healthier than those of Derbyshire and Cheshire?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now inform the House of the additional sum required to reimburse local authorities from 1st October to 28th February for the maintenance of the able-bodied unemployed who will be taken over by the Minister of Labour on the appointed day, the figures to relate, respectively, to the country as a whole, to the north-east coast, and to Northumberland county council and Newcastle-on-Tyne?

I have already stated that I am not prepared to consider any further payment to local autho rities in respect of the period from 1st October to the end of February; there is therefore no such sum required as is assumed by my hon. Friend.

Will it be possible to let the local authorities have the information in order that we may know how to press the Government and to obtain a reimbursement?

Has any arrangement been arrived at with the local authorities as to the further postponement of the second appointed day?

No, I have not seen them yet.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that, in consequence of the Government refusing to reimburse the local authorities, it means an additional rate in some cases of 2d. and 3d. in the pound?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds permission has been refused to the Salvation Army to hold a street collection in London; and whether, in the light of the good work done by that organisation, he will reconsider his decision?

The application of the Salvation Army for permission to hold a street collection in London was refused by the Commissioner of Police on the advice of the Street Collections Advisory Committee. I understand that the advisory committee in considering the application had regard amongst other things to the smallness of the sums obtained by the Salvation Army by street collection when compared with the amount collected by other means during their Self Denial

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when I put a, similar question to the Minister of Labour some time before Christmas, he said the necessary information was being prepared.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt of transitional payments signing at the following Exchanges: Pontypridd, Pontyclun, and Tonyrefail during the last four weeks of 1934?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this organisation is making a particular effort this year, and will he, in these circumstances, reconsider the decision not to allow a collection? Is he also aware that the Salvation Army reach a section of the community that is not touched by any other organisation?

The House, of course, is aware of the necessity for reducing the number of street collections. An advisory committee for that purpose was established after wide representation, and on their advice this collection was refused.

Having regard to the fact that this collection is being made in His Majesty's Jubilee year, could not some consideration be given to this particular case, and will my right hon. Friend refer the matter back to the advisory committee?

Is it not a fact that there are other collections which might very well be stopped so that preference could be given to this good cause?

Very careful consideration has been given to this matter. The House must not suppose that collections are not being made by the Salvation Army in London. They have been going on in the last few days in premises outside the actual streets. In the circumstances. I do not think any hardship is involved.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the representations from all parts of the House, take this matter into fresh consideration and give it his personal consideration?

I am most anxious to be perfectly fair. All I would say to the House is that this matter has been very fully considered, and in the circumstances I do not think there is any real necessity for reconsideration.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will make representations to the directors of the Suez Canal Company that, in view of the large holding of the British Government in the shares of the company, British citizens should be invited to tender for any goods or commodities which may be required from time to time by the company; Lind what proportion of recent orders for Portland cement have gone to British firms?

The Suez Canal Company maintain a list of approved manufacturers from whom they invite tenders for their requirements. The names of United Kingdom firms appear on the list. It is open to any British firm to apply to the head office of the company in Paris to have its name added to the list. As regards the last part of the question there have been continuous deliveries of United Kingdom cement to the company since 1931, but I am not in a position to state what proportion they represent of the total cement orders placed. I will endeavour to secure this information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the current negotiations between China and Japan; whether it is proposed to call a conference of the signatories to the Nine Power Pact to discuss the situation in the Far East; and whether the interest and goodwill of this country and Western Powers generally towards her has been made clear to China?

I have been asked to reply. As regards the first and second parts of the question, I have nothing I can add to the replies which my right hon. Friend gave on the 13th February to similar questions put by my hon. Friend the Member for Whitehaven (Mr. Nunn) and my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald). As regards the last part of the question, every suitable opportunity is taken of demonstrating the good will of this country towards China, and the interest felt here in her welfare. I have no reason for believing that this is not fully appreciated by the Chinese Government and people.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are co-operating with the United States Government on this subject?

That is a different question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information with regard to the military pact between Poland any Japan?

I am aware of the newspaper report to which I presume the hon. Member refers regarding the alleged conclusion of a reciprocal defensive agree ment between Poland and Japan. Such information as we have received indicates that the report is without foundation.

Do I understand my right hon. Friend to say that he is in a position to deny the existence of any such treaty?

The hon. Member must understand that such information as I have shows that the report has no foundation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed that any British Ministers shall, in the near future, pay a visit to Berlin in connection with the negotiations recently instituted with the French Government?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the right hon. Gentleman, the Leader of the Opposition, in answer to a private notice question yesterday.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is intended that any other Minister shall accompany the Foreign Secretary?

I cannot say.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is any truth in the rumour that the East Wolverhampton Light Horse will provide a guard of honour?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jewish refugees are now in prison in Palestine as illegal immigrants, and how many of these are still in prison although their sentence has been served?

I have obtained a report dated the 23rd of February from the High Commissioner for Palestine, from which I understand that the position is as follows. At the date of the report there were 125 Jews in prison in Palestine as illegal immi grants, including those still awaiting release on bail. Including the 68 mentioned in my reply on the 18th of February, there were 87 detained in prison under the Immigration Ordinance after the expiration of their sentences, but, as will be realised from my previous reply, many of these should be released on bail within the next few days, and 18 have already been so released.

May I ask whether it is intended to keep these people in prison indefinitely after their sentence has expired, and, if so, whether the Habeas Corpus Act applies?

I think the position is quite well known to the House. Under the Immigration Ordinance the High Commissioner has power to detain persons who are illegal immigrants until arrangements can be made for their repatriation, and the action which has been taken by the High Commissioner is not only strictly legal, but, I am sure, is necessary in order that immigration into Palestine may be kept to the right people.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me the date of the Ordinance, and whether the imprisonment is indefinite or is there any limit to it whatsoever?

Speaking from memory, I think the date of the Ordinance is 1933, but, if the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question, can answer that precisely. There is no limit provided, because it must depend on how long it takes to make the arrangements referred to; but I told the right hon. and gallant Gentleman last time that the High Commissioner was always prepared to let anybody out on appropriate bail.

May I ask whether it is proposed to deport all these illegal refugees, or whether exceptions have been made?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he first received information of the speculative buying of pepper in an attempt to corner the supplies; whether he gave any warning to His Majesty's representatives in the Colonies likely to be affected; and, if so, what was the nature of this warning?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what is the approximate production of pepper within the British Empire; and what proportion, approximately, this hears to the world production:

(2) whether his attention has been called to the heavy accumulations of stocks of pepper as the result of the recent attempts made to corner that commodity; what effect the accumulation is likely to have on pepper growers within the Empire; and whether he has any proposals for safeguarding the interests of the pepper growers?

Exact figures of world production of pepper are not available. Figures for export are available, but appear to fluctuate considerably; in 1933 the exports from all producing countries amounted to approximately 54,000 tons. Of these about 3,000 tons came from British India and 3,400 from the Colonial Empire. Of the latter, 3,260 tons came from Sarawak, which is the only important producer in the Colonial Empire. I was not aware of the speculation which was going on in pepper; and I could not therefore give any warning to the Government of Sarawak. The present accumulation of stocks might obviously be expected to have a depressing effect on the price unless those stocks are strongly held. It is reported that arrangements are being made in the trade for the holding and orderly disposal of the stocks, and it does not appear that any Government action to safeguard the interests of Empire producers of pepper is called for.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the composition of the committee or subcommittee appointed by the world economic conference to inquire into the tin restriction scheme; who were the representatives of His Majesty's Government; and whether the report of the committee was unanimous?

The subcommittee of the economic commission of the Monetary and Economic Conference which inquired into the tin regulation scheme was composed of representatives of the following producing countries: the United Kingdom (representing also the Colonial Empire), Australia, the Union of South Africa, India, Belgium, Bolivia, China, France, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal and Siam; and the following consuming countries: the United States of America, Germany and Italy. The representatives of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom were myself, Sir John Campbell and Mr. G. L. M. Clauson, of the Colonial Office, and an officer of the Mines Department. The report was adopted unanimously by the sub-committee, subject to reservations by the representatives of Australia and the Union of South Africa to the effect that in their view it was for the producers themselves and not the Governments to take the action recommended by the sub-committee, so far as their own countries were concerned. The report was subsequently adopted unanimously by economic subcommission II, the economic commission, and the Conference itself. Twenty-three countries were represented on subcommission II, and all countries attending the Conference were represented on the economic commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, while there are ample stocks of tin in the United Kingdom, amounting to over 3,000 tons, owing to pool operations consumers have to pay a premium of about £4 per ton above the quotation for tin deliverable in three months; and whether he will order an investigation in the matter?

I have made inquiries into this matter and aim informed that it is the almost invariable practice of consumers of tin to purchase their requirements three months ahead. In these circumstances I am advised that the premium on spot tin, as compared with tin deliverable in three months, is probably due to a considerable extent to persons, who sold forward tin which they had not got, experiencing difficulty in finding tin to fulfil their contracts. I would point out that a premium of £4 per ton corresponds to something under 1¾ per cent. on the recent current Tate for spot tin.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a world monopoly in the marketing of tin is developing under cover of the tin restriction scheme; and whether, in order to obviate the dangers to producers and consumers alike, he will take steps to investigate the position and, particularly, whether any individuals forming the monopoly are in any way connected with the shellac and pepper pools?

For the reasons given in my reply to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. D. Grenfell) on 19th February, there is in my view no danger of a world monopoly of tin. As I informed the hon. Member for Gower on 19th February, His Majesty's Government watch developments in the tin market but do not consider that any action on their part is called for. As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for North-East Bethnal Green (Major Nathan) yesterday, the only private tin pool of which I am aware has always been ready to give the International Tin Committee information as regards its holdings of tin.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the relative cost per therm of the following: electricity, gas, fuel oil, and pulverised fuel?

I regret that, owing to the varying factors involved in arriving at the relative cost of the different fuels to the many classes of consumers concerned, it is impossible to give any figures of cost which would be of general application. I have seen an estimate made by Mr. J. H. Mahler, and published in the Press, but the figures there given should be read in the light of my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there is any intention to alter the constitution of Southern Rhodesia or to abandon the ultimate responsibility of His Majesty's Government for native policy there?

As regards the first part of the question, certain proposed amendments of the Southern Rhodesia Constitution relating to the powers of the High Commissioner are under consideration. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

May we take it that any proposals will be submitted to the House before they are carried into effect?

Certainly; there will be an opportunity for the House to discuss them.

Before they are carried into effect?

Yes.

I understand that Amendments to the Constitution are under consideration; will those Amendments be submitted to this House before they are carried into effect?

Amendments to the Constitution are not amendments affecting the native question, as I have already indicated, but are merely amendments affecting the relationship of the High Commissioner to the Secretary of State.

And there is nothing under consideration affecting the differential treatment of natives?

Nothing whatever.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Cunard liner "Britannic" purchased 2,000 lbs. of foreign hot-house grapes at Liverpool on or about the 18th January out of bond, and thus avoided paying the duty thereon; and what steps he proposes to take to protect British growers against this practice in view of the subsidy paid by Government to this company?

I am informed that approximately 2,000 lbs. of foreign hothouse grapes were shipped duty free as stores on the "Britannic" on the date in question. The shipment of dutiable goods generally, without payment of duty, for use on the voyage in the case of ships proceeding from this country to foreign parts is a long-standing practice authorised by law. I see no reason for taking any discriminatory action in regard to grapes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the intention of the London County Council to assemble at the County Hall from 6th to 16th March an exhibition to illustrate the best work which the principal art institutions of the county of London are producing in the sphere of industrial art; and whether the proposal has the support of the Board of Education?

Yes, Sir. The board have congratulated the London County Council upon their decision to assemble this exhibition and stated that they will watch the results with interest. My Noble Friend and I hope that the exhibition